Measure of a Leader

Most leadership guides today select the traits and techniques of individual successful leaders and then present them as universal truths that can be passed on to others aspiring to leadership. In Measure of a Leader, Daniels and Daniels propose that this view of leadership is too simplistic, and in fact, dangerous practice. Because there is little agreement on the specific traits and actions that define consummate leadership, the authors present a testable, measurable hypothesis that can serve as a tool for those in leadership positions. Rather than focusing on an individual leader’s success, they begin by describing the outcomes that define leadership. The authors contend that the real test of leadership is how results are achieved through the followers’ behavior. Because true leaders bring out the best in their followers, values-driven purposeful behaviors by the followers is the litmus test for successful leadership.